Andover HC behind 'Back to Hockey' campaign

Andover Hockey Club is taking part in the England Hockey campaign called ‘Back to Hockey’ to encourage players to do exactly that.

In the coming weeks, more than 200 clubs across the country will be delivering Back to Hockey sessions for those who haven’t played before or might not have played since school or university.

The England Hockey campaign is primarily aimed at women but Andover is running sessions for both men and women, starting tomorrow until Saturday June 14 from 10.30am - 11.30 at the John Hanson School Astro pitch.

Andover HC is a thriving hockey club with both senior and junior teams for men and women and have three ladies’ teams, four men’s teams and a men’s vets team that all play league hockey each week meaning there is a place for everyone whatever their level.

The club is very welcoming and keen to involve more local people in the sport, whether looking to play competitively every Saturday or just to join in with some training sessions to keep fit and have fun.

Contact Angela Vincent on 01264 355066 or info@andoverhockey.co.uk.

The junior section of the club is renowned for nurturing young players in a relaxed and friendly environment, but desperately needs more adults to help out.

Bex Milton, a local mother with two children in the juniors, is a great example of how you people get involved in hockey without having to play. She said: “I used to play a lot of competitive hockey before having children, but as many other mothers will know, it is difficult to juggle Saturday matches and looking after the family.

‘I was really keen for my children to play, which is when I thought about coaching. The great thing is that I coach from 9-10am each Saturday at the same session that my children attend. That way, I am able to get my fix of hockey, without it eating too much into my weekend.” She would encourage other parents to give it a try: “I would really like to appeal to other parents in the local area – male or female – who might consider coming and supporting the club through coaching.

‘It makes such a difference if we can keep the coach to children ratios small, for obvious reasons.

Please just come and give it a try – you won’t have to run the sessions, just help us out.”

To get involved in coaching contact bexmilton@hotmail.com or call 01264 737649.